Moated site and pond at Moor Hall Farm

Reasons for Designation

Around 6,000 moated sites are known in England. They consist of wide ditches, often or seasonally water-filled, partly or completely enclosing one or more islands of dry ground on which stood domestic or religious buildings. In some cases the islands were used for horticulture. The majority of moated sites served as prestigious aristocratic and seigneurial residences with the provision of a moat intended as a status symbol rather than a practical military defence. The peak period during which moated sites were built was between about 1250 and 1350 and by far the greatest concentration lies in central and eastern parts of England. However, moated sites were built throughout the medieval period, are widely scattered throughout England and exhibit a high level of diversity in their forms and sizes. They form a significant class of medieval monument and are important for the understanding of the distribution of wealth and status in the countryside. Many examples provide conditions favourable to the survival of organic remains.

The moated site and pond bay at Moor Hall Farm, Bagnall survive well and represent a fine example of a combined moat and associated water-management complex.

Details

The monument at Moor Hall Farm includes two areas containing the moated site and an associated pond. The moated platform which measures approximately 55m square, projects out of the natural hillslope and is occupied by the 18th century farmhouse and its associated agricultural buildings. The surrounding moat has been dry since c.1910 and three arms are visible as shallow depressions. Rising topography and a retaining bank form the site's outer edge on the east and south sides. The western side of the moated site is formed by a linear earthwork. This feature, more than 150m in length and up to 2.5m high, has been breached towards its south end. The south arm of the moat projects southwards to form a pond. The southern and eastern sides of the pond are bounded by the rising valley sides. A second dam, 80m west of the moated site, provides evidence of a second pond. The 18th century farmhouse and associated agricultural buildings, including a large stone-built stable block, the farm track, paths, and fences are all excluded from the scheduling but the ground beneath these features is included.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract. It includes a 2 metre boundary around the archaeological features, considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

21508

Legacy System:

RSM

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